Step-by-step application guide

1. Explore the routes, phases and subjects on offer, and decide whether Early Years, Primary, Secondary or a SEND/salaried route best matches your experience and aspirations.

2. Use DfE Find to locate Co-op Academies Trust ITT courses delivered with Bright Futures SCITT and the University of Derby, paying attention to locations, subjects and training routes.

3. Check that you meet the entry criteria (degree, GCSEs, right to train in England, any subject‑specific requirements) before starting an application.

4. Complete your application via DfE Apply, including personal details, qualifications, school/work experience, references and your personal statement.

5. Once submitted, applications are shortlisted using academic criteria, experience, values alignment and evidence of written English, with successful candidates invited to interview.

Policies & AI Statement

Intellectual and Academic Capabilities Providers must ensure trainees have the "intellectual and academic capabilities" to meet programme demands, including fundamental proficiency in English. Written application elements are key evidence of this.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Screening: All personal statements in DfE Apply are screened using AI-detection tools.
• Consequences: The partnership reserves the right not to progress applications where AI use is evident, as it prevents accurate assessment of written English.
• Interview Tasks: Written tasks at interviews are also checked. If AI is detected, the piece is discounted, and the candidate may get one final chance to resubmit in their own words.

Safeguarding All offers are subject to mandatory safer-recruitment checks.